New York Outdoor Times, June 1999
Excalibur provides outdoor therapy to those with disabilities
by Bill Hilts, photo by Bill Hilts

The Francis J. Poordum, designed to carry a special cargo of "special people."
What greater therapy can there be for body, mind and soul than fishing and enjoying the grand outdoor experience? With that in mind, James Catalano embarked in 1987 on a unique adventure that has led him to create the visionary Excalibur Leisure Skills Center.

The Center, in Buffalo, N.Y., is a most fascinating organization. Its trademark is the unique fishing vessel "Francis J. Pordum," a 30 foot fishing boat designed to carry a cargo of "special people.

But it is more than a boat. It is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to providing boating and fishing opportunities for disabled and disadvantaged persons. Its goal is to develop a totally accessible, year round therapeutic recreation center on Buffalo's water-front that will serve people with special needs and their families.

Catalano, a special education teacher, had the vision to see the need and great value of creating a vessel that could provide a wide variety of challenged people with the opportunity to experience the genuine joys and excitement of the outdoor experience while boating or fishing. His wife, Catherine, exhibits the same dedication to this grand project.

The Catalanos started Excalibur in 1986, using a boat of 1962 vintage. Ancient as it was, it was a beginning. Today, they are blessed to own a 30 foot vessel, fully equipped for handling the needs of special people, including those in wheelchairs.

They normally make at least two cruises a day, operating between May 15 and October 15, seven days a week, from dawn to dusk.

The Excalibur project normally handles about 2,800 people each season, according to the Catalanos. The vast majority of clients come from area agencies that deal with developmentally, socially and mentally disabled people.

There is no fee for the cruise because the organization exists on donations and grants, with volunteers providing help and expertise.

A few years ago, the U.S. Coast Guard informed the Excalibur people that the Francis J. Pordum and the crews who man it must a comply with Coast Guard regulations. Catalano said that requirement really complicated matters, but in the long run proved to be beneficial.

After their vessel was modified to meet the standards, they had to recruit licensed captains to run it. Fortunately, several qualified operators stepped forward and the operation, now first class in all respects, was back in business.

We asked Catalano about the cooperation received from DEC officials and he said all have been great. Regarding the fishing license requirement, many of the clients do have licenses but those with more serious disabilities are allowed to fish thanks to a waiver supplied by DEC. All persons fishing or assisting the disabled fishermen must carry a valid license.

Steve Mooradian, DEC’s Region 9 fisheries manager, had nothing but high praise for Catalano, and his volunteer crews: "Super! This is a beautiful project which helps numerous special people enjoy the wonderful outdoor world."

The Catalanos say there have been so many memorable moments that it is difficult to pick one. But Jim did recall one particular woman confined to a wheelchair who was affected with a syndrome that kept her in her home for some 30 years. She did promise her husband, who is a fisherman, to go fishing at least once.

The Excalibur group accepted the challenge. Not without a great deal of discomfort, the lady left her home and went on a fishing outing with her husband on the Pordum.

Though she failed to catch a fish, she had a great day on the water with her husband and profusely thanked the Excalibur people for that experience.

When Excalibur was first spawned by the Catalanos in 1986, it was the first of its kind anywhere. Now, others have been created, as more and more people realize what great therapy a day of fishing or cruising on the water can be for people with disabilities.

The Catalanos emphasized that none of this could be accomplished without the complete support of the volunteers and the western New York community, Numerous individuals and organizations have contributed time and money. City, county and state governments have supplied grants. The Catalanos and the Excalibur project are grateful to all who have helped in any way.

"Excalibur is dedicated to helping others, but we can't do it all alone," Jim Catalano said. "The Excalibur program has come a long way in a relatively short period of time, and it still has a very long way to go. Excalibur needs help from people who can volunteer their time, talent and efforts to work on various aspects of the programs, or who can contribute materials, services or funds.

"The western New York community can take much pride in what they have started a model for the entire nation!"

The Francis J. Pordum can be boarded at the NITA Small Boat Harbor with a public wheelchair access floating dock. It is located at 1111 Fuhrmann Blvd. in Buffalo.

For information or to make reservations, write to: Excalibur Leisure Skills Center Inc., RO. Box 68, Kenmore, NY 14217; or call (716) 831-3188.